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Tran G, Kerr E, Kelly B, Ryan ST, Norman J, Hammersley M, Vuong C, Wardle K, Okely A. Nutrition and physical activity practices in family day care: A cross-sectional survey of Australian family day care educators. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 39155613 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Munch & Move is a New South Wales (NSW) Ministry of Health program offering family day care (FDC) educators training to support children's healthy behaviours. This study examined educators' nutrition, physical activity and screen time practices and relationships between Munch & Move training and professional development (PD) on these practices. METHODS NSW FDC educators (n = 186) completed an online survey from July 2020-June 2021. Differences between groups based on Munch & Move training (trained; not trained) and PD (those who completed PD ≥1 time per year; those who completed PD <1 time per year or never) were tested using bivariate analyses. RESULTS A significantly higher proportion of educators trained in Munch & Move offered information to families regarding food serving sizes, nutrition policies, and children's physical activity and screen time. Over one-third in both groups did not meet the guideline of no screen time for children under 2 years old. Compared with those who completed PD ≥1 time per year, a significantly higher proportion of educators who completed PD <1 time per year or never did not provide families with nutrition guidelines or resources. CONCLUSIONS Educators trained in Munch & Move, and those who completed PD more frequently, demonstrated better nutrition, physical activity and screen time practices in several areas. SO WHAT?: This study demonstrated benefits of the Munch & Move program, implemented with support from Local Health District health promotion officers, and highlighted key areas for improvement in healthy practices in FDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgie Tran
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Erin Kerr
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Health Promotion Service, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Bridget Kelly
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Sarah T Ryan
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jennifer Norman
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Health Promotion Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Warrawong, Australia
| | - Megan Hammersley
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Cecilia Vuong
- Health Promotion Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Karen Wardle
- Health Promotion Service, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Anthony Okely
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Liu E, Gerritsen S, Lovell A, Gontijo de Castro T, Wall C. Food neophobia scores at 8 Years and associations with nutrition-related behaviors at home in early life: Findings from a New Zealand contemporary birth cohort. Appetite 2024; 202:107619. [PMID: 39097097 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Food neophobia (FN) reduces nutritional adequacy and variety which poses a significant concern for children's health and well-being We described the FN scores among 8-year-olds and examined its associations with nutrition-related behaviors at 45 months within the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort (n = 4621). FN was estimated using the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS). Mean FNS scores between variable categories were compared using t-tests for independent samples and ANOVA. Associations between FNS scores at 8 years and nutrition-related behaviors at 45-months were examined using multivariate linear regression. The mean (standard deviation) FN score was 46.2 (15.2) with statistically significant differences by sex (boys = 47.6 (15.7), girls = 43.8 (14.2), p=<0.001). For all children, in models adjusted by breastfeeding duration and sociodemographic characteristics: children who sometimes and never/almost never ate the same foods as their parents, scored, on average, 5.8 and 11 points higher in the FNS (versus those who did always/almost always); children who occasionally/never found mealtimes enjoyable scored on average 3.6 points lower in the FNS (versus mostly/quite often); children who always/almost always had the television on during mealtimes scored on average 2.7 higher in the FNS (versus never/almost never). In comparison to children who mostly/quite often had time to talk to others during mealtimes, those who never/occasionally did it scored on average higher points in the FNS overall (1.46 points higher) and within girls (1.73 points higher). These findings support the eating behavior statements in the National Children's Food and Nutrition Guidelines, which emphasize early exposure to food variety, limiting mealtime distractions, and acknowledge that parental role modeling shapes children's nutrition-related behaviors. Early adoption of preventative interventions for reducing FN in early and middle childhood are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Gerritsen
- Social and Community Health, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amy Lovell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Teresa Gontijo de Castro
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Clare Wall
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Ross H, Kruger R, Wham C. Prevalence of nutrition risk and associated risk factors among New Zealand pre-school children. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:100-106. [PMID: 36318792 PMCID: PMC10092245 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine the prevalence of nutrition risk using the validated, Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Pre-schooler (NutriSTEP) among pre-school children in New Zealand (NZ) and to identify socio-demographic factors associated with nutrition risk. METHODS Parents/caregivers of NZ pre-school children (aged 2-5 years) completed an online survey including NutriSTEP, both parent and child height and weight, as well as socio-demographic characteristics. The 17-item NutriSTEP responses were scored between 0 and 4; where item scores ≥2 indicate risk, and the maximum score is 68. Participants were stratified into low-risk (score ≤ 20) and moderate to high-risk (score > 20) groups. Strength of associations between nutrition risk and socio-demographic characteristics were explored using binary regression analysis. RESULTS Of 505 pre-school children, 96 (19%) were at moderate to high risk (median interquartile range NutriSTEP score 24 [22-26]) and 409 (81%) were at low risk (score 13 [10-16]). Pre-school children at highest risk were non-NZ European (P = 0.002), with solo parents (P = 0.002), from households with incomes ≤$50 000 (P ≤ 0.021) and with non-university educated parents (P ≤ 0.0001). More than 30% of pre-schoolers were at high risk for inadequate consumption of fruit, vegetables, grains, milk products, meat and meat alternatives, as well as exposure to screens during meals and overuse of supplements. CONCLUSIONS A fifth of NZ pre-school children were at moderate to high nutrition risk and may not have met the nutrition guidelines. Economic and ethnic disparities were apparent. Using NutriSTEP may assist to identify NZ pre-school children at highest nutrition risk who may benefit from appropriate nutrition support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Ross
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rozanne Kruger
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Carol Wham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Manzano-Felipe MÁ, Cruz-Cobo C, Bernal-Jiménez MÁ, Santi-Cano MJ. Validation of the General and Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GeSNK) in Spanish Adolescents. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245324. [PMID: 36558482 PMCID: PMC9786199 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The General and Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GeSNK) is an instrument that has been developed and validated to assess the level of nutrition knowledge in adolescents and young adults. The aim of the present study was to validate the GeSNK questionnaire in a group of Spanish adolescents in the framework of a Nutrition Education Programme in Secondary Schools in Andalusia, Spain. This cross-sectional questionnaire validation study was developed in two phases: translation-cultural adaptation and validation. A total of 305 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years, studying from the first to the third year of compulsory secondary education, participated on a voluntary basis. The GeSNK questionnaire consists of 62 items: 29 items for the General Nutrition section and 33 items for the Sports Nutrition section. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the complete questionnaire (GeSNK Total) was: 0.934; for the GeSNK General Nutrition section it was 0.918; and for the GeSNK Sports Nutrition section it was 0.856. The stability measured by the correlation coefficient for the General Nutrition section was 0.406 (p = 0.000); for the Sports Nutrition section it was 0.198 (p = 0.017); and for GeSNK Total the stability was 0.545 (p = 0.000). The questionnaire also demonstrated adequate construct validity. We therefore conclude that the Spanish version of the GeSNK questionnaire is a valid instrument to measure the level of knowledge in general nutrition and sports nutrition in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Manzano-Felipe
- Primary Health Care District of Bay of Cádiz-La Janda, 11006 Cádiz, Spain
- Research Group on Nutrition, Molecular, Pathophysiological and Social Issues, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation of Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Celia Cruz-Cobo
- Research Group on Nutrition, Molecular, Pathophysiological and Social Issues, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation of Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Bernal-Jiménez
- Research Group on Nutrition, Molecular, Pathophysiological and Social Issues, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation of Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - María José Santi-Cano
- Research Group on Nutrition, Molecular, Pathophysiological and Social Issues, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation of Cádiz (INiBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-956-019042; Fax: +34-956-015685
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Zarnowiecki D, Kashef S, Poelman AA, Cochet-Broch MO, Arguelles JC, Cox DN, Golley RK. Application of the multiphase optimisation strategy to develop, optimise and evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent initiative package to increase 2-to-5-year-old children's vegetable intake in long day care centres: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047618. [PMID: 34857552 PMCID: PMC8640664 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, children do not eat enough core foods, with vegetable intakes persistently low. Early life is critical for establishing vegetable acceptance and intake. Increased usage of formal childcare has led to the importance of childcare settings shaping children's food intake. This study will use the multiphase optimisation strategy to develop, optimise and evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent initiative package to increase 2-to-5-year-old children's vegetable intake in long day care centres. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The preparation phase will use existing literature and best practice guidelines to develop three initiatives aiming to: (1) increase vegetable provision at mealtimes, (2) deliver a vegetable-focused sensory curriculum and (3) use supportive mealtime practices encouraging children's tasting of vegetables. The optimisation phase (N=32 centres) will use a 12-week, eight-condition factorial experiment to test main and synergistic effects of the initiatives. The optimum combination of initiatives producing the largest increase in vegetable intake will be identified. The evaluation phase (N=20 centres) will test the effectiveness of the optimised package using a 12-week waitlist randomised controlled trial. Primary outcomes are children's vegetable intake and food group intake at long day care. Secondary outcomes are menu guideline compliance, cook and educator knowledge and skills, and reach. Process evaluation will include fidelity, acceptability, barriers and facilitators, and compatibility with practice. Repeated measures ANOVA with interaction effects (optimisation phase) and linear mixed modelling (evaluation phase) will test effects of the initiatives on vegetable intake. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has received ethics approval from the Flinders University Research Ethics Committee (Project No: 1873) for the optimisation phase. Approval for the evaluation phase will be obtained following completion of optimisation phase. Findings will be disseminated to stakeholders, including long day care centres and childcare organisations; and to researchers via peer-reviewed journals and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS ACTRN12620001301954, ACTRN12620001323910p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Zarnowiecki
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Shabnam Kashef
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Astrid Am Poelman
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Health & Biosecurity, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maeva O Cochet-Broch
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Agriculture and Food, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - David N Cox
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Health & Biosecurity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Golley
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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Usfar AA, Budiman G, Lan MPJ, Riyanti A, Nuryanto V. Balance Nutrition Messages Are Still Implemented in Preschools One Year Postintervention: Case Studies in Subang District, West Java, Indonesia. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2021; 66:S155-S161. [PMID: 33612586 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.66.s155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-two teachers from 10 preschools in Cisalak subdistrict, Subang district, West Java province, Indonesia, received a two-day training on Balance Nutrition and My Plate in February 2018. The main messages underlined in the training were consume a variety of foods, drink enough water daily, wash your hands with soap, be physically active, and monitor your body weight. The training was followed by an eight-week implementation period to preschoolers aged 3 to 6 y. The knowledge of the teachers increased by up to 33 percentage points (average score: 69 to 82 pre- vs. posttest) after training, and the teachers answered correctly to the same questions 15 mo later. The mothers' knowledge increased by up to 37 percentage points after parenting sessions. All seven teaching aids provided were used by end-line, but their usage decreased after seven months (range: 2 to 7) and further decreased by 12 mo postintervention (range: 2 to 5). A teacher's handbook and a flipchart were the two aids persistently used. The practices of washing hands with soap, bringing healthy packed lunches, and monitoring weight and height continued after 12 mo postintervention. Dissemination of Balance Nutrition knowledge to fellow teachers of the same school, colleagues from different schools, or to representatives of preschool associations was evident. Training should be scaled up to the district level, using trained teachers as trainers and adopting a cascade training method. National roll-out by teachers' associations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, could improve the knowledge of over 200,000 preschool teachers and potentially improve the nutrition of 19 million preschoolers.
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Effectiveness of Diet Habits and Active Life in Vocational Training for Higher Technician in Dietetics: Contrast between the Traditional Method and the Digital Resources. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113475. [PMID: 33198316 PMCID: PMC7698261 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vocational training of students in diet habits and active lifestyle habits has recently become an important issue, given the health problems caused as a result of a poor diet. The objective of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of different training actions (traditional method and digital resources) carried out in a program of dietary habits and active lifestyle at the vocational training stage. A quasi-experimental design of the pre-post type was developed. A sample of 177 participants was chosen. The instrument to collect the data was the validated ECHAES questionnaire. The results show that all study groups demonstrated similar averages across all dimensions, except in the digital resource post-test design, where the averages were higher than the rest. There was a significant relationship between the traditional teaching method and the post-test digital resources design in all dimensions. There was also a significant relationship between the pre-test and post-test of the traditional teaching method and the digital resource group in the dimensions. It can be concluded that both the traditional and the innovative method lead to learning in the vocational training student, although the values achieved by the group where the innovative method was adopted were much higher than in the traditional group.
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The Development of a Psychometrically Valid and Reliable Questionnaire to Assess Nutrition Knowledge Related to Pre-Schoolers. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12071964. [PMID: 32630287 PMCID: PMC7400463 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
With rising childcare enrollments, caregivers have a unique opportunity to promote children’s nutrition education and healthy eating. Accurately identifying nutrition knowledge gaps amongst caregivers is necessary for professional development planning. Our aim was to design an early childhood education and care (ECEC) teacher nutrition knowledge questionnaire that satisfies psychometric criteria of validity and reliability. Items were based on the New Zealand Ministry of Health dietary guidelines, literature and expert advice. University students in their final year of a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Human Nutrition (n = 40), and students with no nutrition background (n = 51) completed the questionnaire to assess construct validity; 35 BSc nutrition students completed the questionnaire two weeks later to assess reliability. The Mann-Whitney-U test and a median-split table assessed construct validity; Pearson’s product-moment correlation assessed test-retest reliability. Nutrition students achieved higher total and subcategory scores (p < 0.01). All nutrition students scored above the median of the combined group; 82% of non-nutrition students scored below the median. In testing reliability, first and second administration median scores for total and subcategories were significantly correlated (r = 0.43–0.78; p < 0.01). The questionnaire achieved construct validity and test-retest reliability and measured ECEC teachers’ nutrition knowledge for preschoolers.
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Education and Diet in the Scientific Literature: A Study of the Productive, Structural, and Dynamic Development in Web of Science. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12124838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nutrition-related education is necessary to protect and improve the health status of schoolchildren and to minimize the risk of future diseases. The objective of this research was to analyze the trajectory and transcendence of the concepts “education” and “diet” in the Web of Science literature. The methodology focused on bibliometry, analyzing both the performance and the structural and dynamic development of the concepts through a co-word analysis. A total of 1247 documents were analyzed, and the results show that scientific production experienced a turning point in 2009, in comparison to the level of production reported in previous years. The medium of papers and the language of English were the most common. In relation to the research topic, before 2014, scientific production focused on medical and disease-related aspects; however, since 2014, it has focused on disease prevention and feeding. It was therefore concluded that the theme “diet and education” has been researched for more than 20 years, although it is only in the last decade that it has become more relevant—particularly studies focusing on disease prevention and the type of food, specifically fruit, which is presented as the most outstanding issue for researchers in this field of knowledge.
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Love P, Walsh M, Campbell KJ. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Australian Trainee Childcare Educators Regarding Their Role in the Feeding Behaviours of Young Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103712. [PMID: 32466111 PMCID: PMC7277710 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Early childhood (2-5 years) is acknowledged as a critical time for the establishment of healthy behaviours. The increasing number of children and amount of time spent in childcare provides strong rationale to explore the important role that childcare services and childcare educators play in influencing healthy eating behaviours of young children in their care. Methods: This study used a qualitative exploratory approach to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australian childcare trainee educators' regarding their role in the feeding of young children. Results: All participants agreed that feeding of young children was an important part of their role, but described challenges to the promotion of healthy eating and the adoption of responsive child feeding practices. These included personal beliefs and experiences with food, the bi-directional nature of child feeding, conflicting parental requests and/or unsupportive centre-based policies and procedures. Conclusion: Training about responsive child feeding practices within the childcare sector should include all childcare staff; aim to enhance relational efficacy and communication skills with parents; and empower childcare staff to lead organisational change. To support this, childcare centres need to provide coherent centre-based healthy eating policies inclusive of healthy food provision and desirable feeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Love
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, Australia;
- Centre of Research Excellence, Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), Sydney 2007, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Melissa Walsh
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, Australia;
| | - Karen J. Campbell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, Australia;
- Centre of Research Excellence, Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH), Sydney 2007, Australia
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, Australia;
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Luecking CT, Mazzucca S, Vaughn AE, Ward DS. Contributions of Early Care and Education Programs to Diet Quality in Children Aged 3 to 4 Years in Central North Carolina. J Acad Nutr Diet 2019; 120:386-394. [PMID: 31831384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2019.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents and early care and education (ECE) are the key influencers of young children's diets, but there is limited information about how each contribute to children's overall diet quality. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine what proportion of children's dietary intake occurs within the ECE setting and whether diet quality is higher at ECE centers and, consequently, on weekdays than weekends. DESIGN This cross-sectional analysis of a larger cluster randomized controlled trial used multiple 24-hour dietary intakes measured through a combination of the Dietary Observation in Child Care protocol and parent-reported food diaries. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Participants (N=840) included children aged 3 to 4 years enrolled in ECE centers in central North Carolina for whom 24-hour dietary intake was captured via observation of meals and snacks consumed at ECE and parent-report of all remaining meals and snacks. Data were collected from 2015 to 2016. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diet quality at ECE and elsewhere was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index 2015. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Mixed-effects models were used to determine differences in mean Healthy Eating Index 2015 component and total scores. Models were adjusted for children's age and sex and accounted for clustering within ECE centers and families. RESULTS Children consumed approximately 40% of daily energy, nutrients, and food groups at ECE centers. The mean total Healthy Eating Index 2015 score was higher for foods and beverages consumed at ECE centers (58.3±0.6) than elsewhere (52.5±0.6) (P<0.0001). The mean total Healthy Eating Index 2015 score was also higher on weekdays (58.5±0.5) than on weekends (51.3±0.5) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Children consume a majority of dietary intake away from ECE centers. Overall, diet quality is low, but the quality of foods consumed by children at ECE centers is higher than that consumed elsewhere. ECE centers remain an important source of nutrition and further investigation is warranted to identify ways to support both ECE centers and families to provide healthier eating environments.
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Vandevijvere S, Mackay S, D'Souza E, Swinburn B. The first INFORMAS national food environments and policies survey in New Zealand: A blueprint country profile for measuring progress on creating healthy food environments. Obes Rev 2019; 20 Suppl 2:141-160. [PMID: 31483561 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support aims to benchmark national food environments. This study proposes a blueprint country profile to measure progress on creating healthy food environments, based on the results of the first, comprehensive survey in New Zealand (NZ). We assessed the implementation of national food environment policies and food industry commitments to improve population nutrition and the strength and comprehensiveness of public sector settings' nutrition policies. The healthiness of the packaged food supply, including health-related labelling, was evaluated. Food environments were measured in 833 schools, 204 supermarkets, 1500 takeaway outlets, 28 hospitals, 70 sport centres, and around all NZ schools. Food swamps, defined as areas with high relative density of unhealthy food outlets, were identified, and food marketing to children on television, websites, social media and packages, in magazines, and in and around schools was measured. The cost differential between healthy and current household diets was calculated for different population groups. NZ's food environment profile is largely unhealthy, and there are inequalities in access to healthy food environments. It is anticipated that the proposed country profile can help other countries tackle unhealthy food environments through increasing accountability of governments and the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Vandevijvere
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Mackay
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erica D'Souza
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Boyd Swinburn
- School of Population Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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A Study of the Food Environment at Australian Family Day Care. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102395. [PMID: 31591359 PMCID: PMC6835384 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity in childhood is a significant public health issue. Family day care (FDC) offers a setting where good eating habits can be nurtured in young children, yet often the food environment is unhealthy. This study aims to determine FDC educators' knowledge and confidence about nutrition and the barriers and enablers to supporting healthy food environments. Australian FDC educators were recruited to a mixed methods study using self-administered e-surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews. The survey data (n = 188) revealed good knowledge about sugary foods, but poor knowledge of protein-rich foods. Nutrition knowledge was not associated with confidence to make nutrition recommendations. Interviews (n = 9) revealed parents' dietary choices and educators' personal beliefs as barriers to healthy food environments, although importantly, the FDC educator role was identified as being pivotal in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and their families. This study highlights that FDC-specific nutrition education and support is vital to ensure children at FDC and their families are exposed to healthy food environments. Research to investigate specific avenues for nutrition education promotion programs specifically designed to support the unique role played by FDC educators is needed, in order to support the long-term health and welfare of the next generation of Australians.
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